The socialist anthem, The Red Flag, echoed through York Minster today as the funeral service for stalwart Labour councillor Carol Wallace drew to a close.

More than 100 family, friends and fellow councillors, dressed mainly in black, filled the tiered pews of the imposing Choir section of the Minster to pay tribute to the wife of City of York Council leader Rod Hills, who had worked as a linguistics lecturer at the University of York.

The Dean of York, the Very Reverend Raymond Furnell, greeted Coun Hills on the steps of the Minster's South Transept as he arrived with other family members, including Coun Wallace's son and daughter from a previous marriage, in a cortege of funeral cars.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Shn Braund, and new chief executive David Atkinson were among the mourners.

Coun Wallace was found dead at the foot of the stairs at her home in Huntington Road, York.

Coun Wallace's flower-decked coffin was carried into the cathedral for the service, which included a eulogy by previous council chief executive David Clark.

Mr Clark told mourners: "What we will carry with us are small images that for us capture a person.

"For me it was always her sense of humour, which could sniff out pomposity at one hundred metres."

He said that behind Coun Wallace's quiet and unassuming character lay a very clear view of the world.

He told how, while as a student in Ireland, Coun Wallace, who had "a clear political insight" had met members of the then new Militant Tendency, but had "seen through their ideas very quickly".

He fondly recalled how she would refer to him as "Clarky" when he telephoned the home she shared with Coun Hills - a place she jokingly dubbed "Dingly Dell".

He described her as "a people person" and as "someone giggling and enjoying life".

"She lived her life not only for others but also for herself and her ideas, and it was a good life," he added.

Coun Wallace had been a "critical friend" to the students she loved to teach at the university. Hers had been the most over-subscribed course in her department.

The member for Bishophill Ward had also been a great friend and supporter to her council colleagues.

"She did not stab colleagues in the back or kick them when they were down," said Mr Clark.

She had been at the heart of the economic growth of the city through her role as executive member for economic development.

Mr Clark said: "Her successes were memorable. She used her personal skills and charm to help develop partnerships in the city."

The Dean spoke of "the example she set within her academic career, the love she shared with her family and her service to this city and the ward she represented."

Coun Wallace was also remembered as a loving daughter, mother and wife.

Mr Clark said: "No one who knew her could have any doubts about how much she loved each of those roles and how important her family was to her."

The Red Flag was played as her flower-decked coffin was carried out of the Minster with Coun Hills and other family members following behind.

A private burial was held at York Cemetery.